Many people are familiar with the slipper flower (Calceolaria) primarily as a short-lived houseplant. However, there are species that can easily be cultivated on the balcony or even in the garden and will delight you there for many months with their distinctive, colorful flowers.
Which slipper flower is suitable for the balcony?
The garden slipper flower (Calceolaria integrifolia) is ideal for the balcony as it grows 20 to 100 centimeters high, has bright yellow flowers and can be cultivated in both pots and balcony boxes. Make sure there is enough water, fertilization and a bright but not sunny location.
Which species are suitable for the balcony
In contrast to the Calceolaria hybrids, which are usually sold in stores from January onwards and are cultivated as houseplants, most slipper flowers are real summer bloomers that show their flowers tirelessly between June and September and thus attract bumblebees or bees. The so-called garden slipper flower (Calceolaria integrifolia) is particularly interesting for the balcony for several reasons:
- It is a shrub that grows 20 to 100 centimeters high
- with bright yellow flowers that can be seen between June and September.
- The garden slipper flower grows upright or hanging
- and is suitable for both pots and balcony boxes.
- The plant is usually cultivated as an annual.
Choose a bright, but not directly sunny location
Like all slipper flowers, balcony slipper flowers prefer a bright, but not directly sunny location. They often cope very well with semi-shaded or shady places, so west, east and north-facing balconies are very suitable for planting. As a substrate, you should use a mixture of conventional potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon), clay granules and compost soil and ensure good pot drainage.
Take care of the slipper flower properly
Slipper flowers need a lot of water and must neither dry out nor remain in water for long - the plants can quickly take offense at both of these and die. Make sure that the substrate is always light and evenly moist, and excess irrigation water should be able to drain away. Fertilize the slipper flowers about every two weeks with a liquid flower fertilizer. Pruning is not necessary, only dead shoots should be removed regularly.
Grow your own slipper flower
However, cutting off spent inflorescences is not necessary if you want to obtain seeds for your own slipper flower breeding. You can also provide fresh plants yourself by cutting cuttings in early autumn, overwintering them (frost-free but cool) and continuing to cultivate them on the balcony the following year from the end of May.
Tip
There are also perennial, winter-hardy slipper flowers that can be overwintered on the balcony or in cold house conditions with little effort.